SOLICITATION NOTICE
66 -- Redacted J&A - Redacted J&A
- Notice Date
- 9/7/2017
- Notice Type
- Justification and Approval (J&A)
- NAICS
- 334516
— Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- Department of the Army, Army Contracting Command, ACC - APG (W911QX) Adelphi, 2800 POWDER MILL RD, ADELPHI, Maryland, 20783-1197, United States
- ZIP Code
- 20783-1197
- Solicitation Number
- W911QX-17-T-0169
- Archive Date
- 10/7/2017
- Point of Contact
- Crystal L. Demby, Phone: 3013945332
- E-Mail Address
-
crystal.l.demby.civ@mail.mil
(crystal.l.demby.civ@mail.mil)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Award Number
- W911QX-17-P-0197
- Award Date
- 9/7/2017
- Description
- JUSTIFICATION REVIEW DOCUMENT JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION Supply/Service: Purchase of One (1) Shimadzu Hyper Vision HPV-X2 High-Speed Video Camera Authority: 41 U.S.C. 1901(e) (2), implemented by FAR 13.501(a) - One Responsible Source and No other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. Amount: (REDACTED) Prepared by: (REDACTED) DSN: (REDACTED) Photographer Date: 07/13/2017 Email: (REDACTED) Contracting Officer: Cristina M. Watkins DSN: (REDACTED) Contracting Officer Date: 07/13/2017 Email: (REDACTED) Technical: (REDACTED) DSN: (REDACTED) Photographer Date: 07/13/2017 Email: (REDACTED) Requirements: (REDACTED) DSN: (REDACTED) Photographer Date: 07/13/2017 Email: (REDACTED) Reviews: I have reviewed this justification and find it adequate to support other than full and open competition. Program Manager: Department of Army FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Sole Source Justification and Approval for Other than Full and Open Competition 1. Contracting Activity: US Contracting Command - Aberdeen Proving Ground, Adelphi Contracting Division, (ACC-APG-CCAP-SCA), 2800 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, Maryland 20783. 1a. US Army Research Laboratory (ARL), Weapons and Materials Research Directorate (WMRD), Multi-Threat Armor Branch (RDRL-WMP-D), 328 Hopkins Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005. 2. Description of Action:. Approval is sought for a firm fixed price (FFP) contract in support of the ARL on the basis of other than full and open competition pursuant to FAR 13.501 (a). The requested contract is for the purchase of one (1) Hyper Vision HPV-X2 High Speed Video camera (herein known as Shimadzu HPV-X2 camera ). The only manufacturer of this camera is Shimadzu Scientific Instruments. _X_ An acquisition plan is not required because this procurement does not meet the threshold at Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 207.103(d) (i) (B). 3. Description of Supplies/Services: The Government requires one (1) Shimadzu HPV-X2 camera that meets the following government specifications: •· Capable of capturing up to 10,000,000 frames (images) per second •· Ability to collect up to 256 consecutive images. •· Zero frame to frame artifacts such as ghosting or gray-value variations. •· Capable of synchronization with multiple cameras and illumination devices. •· Exposure time variable in ten (10) nanoseconds (ns) interval from 60 frames per second to 2,000,000 frames per second, 110 ns exposures at 5,000,000 frames per second, 50 ns exposures at 10,000,0000 frames per second. 4. Authority Cited: The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 41 U.S.C. 1901(e)(2), implemented by FAR 13.501(a), 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), Only one responsible source. 5. Reason for Authority Cited: The WMRD's Multi-Threat Armor Branch at the US ARL requires the purchase of a Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc. HPV-X2 camera. Data and images collected by the Shimadzu HPV-X2 camera will be used in the development of next-generation armor technologies for the Army which will ultimately result in improved protection/survivability levels for U.S. warfighters. WMRD's Multi-Threat Armor Branch at the ARL is conducting research on the ballistic event during an armor/anti-armor interaction which occurs at an extremely fast rate. High-performance computer simulations of these events breaks the armor/anti-armor interaction down to 1,000,000 to 10,000,000 time steps per second. Acquisition of the Shimadzu HPV-X2 camera will allow ARL to verify the accuracy of these computer simulations by having a camera that is fast enough to capture images at the time scale of 10,000,000 steps per second. The combination of improved computer simulations and experimental techniques is a key step in advancing towards state-of-the-art armor technologies in support of improved protection/survivability levels for the US warfighter. The Shimadzu HPV-X2 camera is the only commercially available high-speed video camera that captures images at the time scale referenced above. Specifically, Shimadzu's HPV-X2 camera provides a frame rate (rate at which consecutive images can be collected) of 10,000,000 frames per second, collects up to 256 consecutive frames and can perform these functions without undesirable frame to frame artifacts, such as ghosting. For a high-speed video camera, ghosting appears as previous frame images that superimpose themselves over the current frame image. Ghosting negates ARL's ability to take critical measurements from the high-speed video images that are needed for successfully meeting critical objectives in the development of next-generation armor protection technologies. The Shimadzu HPV-X2 camera can not only perform at the abovementioned frame rate but can do so without the undesirable ghosting effect. Based on the aforementioned, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc. is the only responsible source capable of meeting the Government's requirement. 6. Efforts to Obtain Competition: WMRD has conducted extensive market research to locate other sources capable of meeting the Government's minimum requirements. During the initial efforts to obtain competition (detailed in Section 8), (REDACTED) showed an interest in providing a high speed camera to the Government, but after technical evaluation it was determined that it did not meet the Governments minimum requirements. More specifically, (REDACTED) Kirana high speed video camera is capable of 5,000,000 frames per second, however, the Government's requirement specifies 10,000,000 frames per second. Furthermore, the Kirana camera exhibits ghosting that negates its value to the Government's mission. In addition to the above, camera's from (REDACTED) were also researched in an effort to obtain competition. Upon further review of the camera specifications, neither (REDACTED) could meet the 10,000,000 frames per second requirements. Specifically, (REDACTED) camera provides a maximum frame rate of 2,100,000 frames per second and the (REDACTED) cameras provide a maximum frame rate of 1,000,000 frames per second which concluded that Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc.'s Shimadzu HPV-X2 camera is the only product that meets the Governments minimum requirements. Based on the aforementioned, c ompetition currently does not exist, due to not finding competitors with the capabilities that can duplicate Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc.'s Shimadzu HPV-X2 camera's features, however, the Government will continue to conduct thorough assessments of the consumer market in order to stay abreast of the current technology available in an effort to support ARL's mission objectives as well as seek out competition for future acquisitions. 7. Actions to Increase Competition:.Based on the information provided in paragraph five (5), competition for this action is not feasible. The Government will continue to survey the marketplace in an effort to increase competition. Such efforts will include conference and exhibition attendance, reviewing trade journals, World Wide Web (WWW) research and open discussions with industry and academia experts. In addition to the above, the Government will ensure that prior to the commencement of any future acquisitions, a thorough survey of the market will take place to determine whether another manufacturer has emerged that could meet the Army's requirements, thus allowing for a competitive procurement to take place. 8. Market Research: (REDACTED) Scientific/Technical Photographer, in the Multi-Threat Armor Branch of the Weapons and Materials Research Directorate (WMRD) with nine (9) years of experience in this field, conducted market research in July 2016 by contacting knowledgeable people/subject matter experts within Government and industry, internet searches and reviewing historical data. The subject matter experts within Government and Industry included (REDACTED) also conducted the following internet searches: http://www.shimadzu.com/an/test/hpv/hpv-x2/index.html http://specialised-imaging.com/ https://photron.com/?gclid=CL_9k8WY_tICFQwZgQodkW4K7Q http://www.phantomhighspeed.com/Products/Phantom-Camera-Products http://www.delimaging.com/ http://www.2020hindsight.com/Products.aspx https://idtvision.com/ https://www.techimaging.com/?gclid=CM3xneqZ_tICFdWIswod5TsCbQ http://hadlandimaging.com/ As historical background, in 2015, (REDACTED) of the ARL evaluated a (REDACTED) manufactured by Specialised Imaging, during ballistic experiments. The (REDACTED) currently owned by the Materials Response and Design Branch (MRDB) of the ARL, and was procured via contract number W911QX-16-P-0267. The (REDACTED) displayed noticeable ghosting that repeats every ten (10) image frames. This camera employs an internal complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) detector with an In-situ Storage Image Sensor (ISIS) and Charge Coupled Device (CCD). The (REDACTED) camera's design allows light leakage and photo-electron diffusion from the opening in the light shield. This results in dramatic image artifacts and gray value fluctuation that is repeated every ten (10) image frames. In February of 2017, the Shimadzu HPV-X2 camera (procured via contract W911QX-16-P-0061) and the (REDACTED) camera were evaluated in a direct side-by-side comparison during ballistic experiments by WMRD. During evaluation, the (REDACTED) camera, as in 2015, showed ghosting that generally appeared in all frames and was particularly noticeable every 10th frame, unlike the Shimadzu HPV-X2 camera, which did not exhibit any ghosting artifacts. The ghosting is detrimental to performing quantitative correlation measurements. In addition to the above evaluation, market research via internet searches revealed cameras available from (REDACTED) as well as Specialized Imaging's (REDACTED) camera. However, upon further review, the (REDACTED) and Specialized Imaging's cameras do not meet the Government's current requirement of 10,000,000 frames per second. Specifically, the (REDACTED) camera provides a maximum frame rate of 2,100,000 frames per second and the (REDACTED) cameras provide a maximum frame rate of 1,000,000 frames per second. The (REDACTED) camera does not meet the Government's required 10,000,000 frames per second, given that the current maximum frame rate of the (REDACTED) camera is only 5,000,000 frames per second. Additionally, as previously noted, the (REDACTED) camera exhibits undesirable ghosting that negates its usefulness for collecting data needed to accomplish ARL's mission. After extensive market research, it was determined that Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc. is the only camera capable of meeting the Government's minimum requirements. 9. Interested Sources: A synopsis notice was posted to FBO on 08 June 2017 with the intent to sole source to Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc. Posting closed on 30 June 2017 and to date, no other sources have written to express an interest, however, as required by FAR 5.201, any other bids or proposals received shall be forwarded to the approving official for consideration. 10. Other Facts: a. Procurement History- (1) Contract numbers and dates of the last several contracts for these same requirements. W911QX-16-P-0061 awarded 10 February 2016. (2) The competitive status of these actions. W911QX-16-P-0061 awarded on other than full and open competition. (3) Authority previously cited if less than full and open competition was used. W911QX-16-P-0061: 41 USC 1901(e) as implemented by FAR 13.501(a); One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. (4) If a justification was prepared to support the procurement made before this one, a summary of the contents of paragraph 7 of the justification for that procurement and an explanation of the results. W911QX-16-P-0061 was awarded on a sole source basis to Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc. based on WMRD's need for a high speed video camera that does not require post image editing due to ghosting effects such as a replica of the transmitted image or an image offset in position. WMRD also required a camera that was not super-imposed on top of the main image or bled over from a prior transmitted images which would require additional time, expertise as well as cost to the government to fix. In addition, the Government required a camera that provided 128 or 256 frames at a resolution rate of 10,000,000 frames per second, as well as synchronization with multiple cameras, exposure time and image noise. The market research efforts conducted confirmed that Shimadzu's Scientific Instruments HPV-X2 camera was the only commercially available camera that met all of WMRD's minimum requirements, and thus competition was not feasible. (5) If any prior contract for this requirement was accomplished using full and open competition, include a detailed explanation of the changed circumstances causing this action to now limit the sources. This requirement was never accomplished using full and open competition. (6) An explanation of any unusual patterns that may be revealed by the history, e.g., several consecutive, urgent buys. None. Procurement history does not reveal unusual patterns; several consecutive, urgent buys, etc. (7) If a justification was prepared to support the procurement made before this one, briefly describe the circumstances justifying the procurement and whether there have been any significant changes. W911QX-16-P-0061 was awarded on a sole source basis to Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc. based on WMRD's need for a high speed video camera that does not require post image editing due to ghosting effects such as a replica of the transmitted image or an image offset in position. WMRD also required a camera that was not super-imposed on top of the main image or bled over from prior transmitted images which would require additional time, expertise as well as cost to the government to fix. In addition, the Government required a camera that provided 128 or 256 frames at a resolution rate of 10,000,000 frames per second, as well as synchronization with multiple cameras, exposure time and image noise. The requiring activity conducted extensive research and only found one (1) potential manufacturer, Specialized Imaging Inc., that could provide a high speed camera. However, after extensive use and technical evaluation, it was determined that the Kirana was not able to meet WMRD's minimum requirement of 10,000,000 frames per second nor was it ghost effect free. Based on the aforementioned, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc. was the only responsible source capable of meeting the Government's requirement. There have been no significant changes to date. b. Acquisition Data Availability: The required Shimadzu HPV-X2 camera is a commercial off the shelf (COTS) product. As such, manufacturer product specifications are available from the vendor. Interested sources may compare their own high speed camera specifications to those of Shimadzu HPV-X2 camera. c. Unusual and Compelling Urgency: Not Applicable. d. Subcontracting Competition: Not Applicable. e. Follow on Contracts: Not Applicable. 11. Technical Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Signer's Title: Photographer 12. Requirements Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Signer's Title: Photographer 13. Fair and Reasonable Cost Determination: I hereby determine that the anticipated cost or price to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable. The basis for this determination will be a price analysis of prior invoices where the same Shimadzu High Speed Camera sold in the past 12 months and published price. This determination will be made using the following: __ Cost analysis _X_ Price analysis __ Should-cost __ IGCE __ Audit: __ Other: As a part of this basis, certified cost or pricing data: __ will be required. _X_ will not be required and the following exception applies (FAR 15.403): __ Prices that will be agreed upon are based on adequate price competition. __ Prices that will be agreed upon are based on prices set by law or regulation. _X_ A commercial item is being acquired. __ A waiver has been granted by the head of the contracting activity (HCA) in accordance with DFARS PGI 215.403-1. __ The contract action is a modification to a contract or subcontract for commercial item(s). __ The estimated cost of the contract action is less than the threshold for certified cost or pricing data. 14. Contracting Officer Certification: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Approval Based on the foregoing justification, I hereby approve the procurement of the Shimadzu High Speed Camera on an other than full and open competition basis pursuant to the authority of 41 U.S.C. 1901(e) (2) as implemented by FAR 13.501(a), subject to availability of funds, and provided that the services or supplies herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition. (End of Justification)
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/notices/19070d78d6dd04027c81994efdd092cf)
- Place of Performance
- Address: US Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground, Adelphi Contracting Division, 321 Colleran Road, Aberdeen, Maryland, 21005, United States
- Zip Code: 21005
- Zip Code: 21005
- Record
- SN04666731-W 20170909/170907232815-19070d78d6dd04027c81994efdd092cf (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
| FSG Index | This Issue's Index | Today's FBO Daily Index Page |